Eustathius

Eustathius, d. c.1194, Byzantine scholar, archbishop of Salonica (from 1175). He became renowned as master of the orators at Hagia Sophia, Constantinople, then a center of learning. He lectured on Homer and Pindar. As bishop Eustathius was active in the affairs of Salonica and secured religious freedom for its inhabitants when the Normans captured it. He attempted to reform the monasteries but failed and was temporarily obliged to leave the city. Works of interest include commentaries (especially on Homer), which are valuable for extracts from lost Greek works, also a history (1185) of the Norman conquest of Sicily and S Italy, funeral orations, and The Reform of Monastic Life. Michael Acominatus was his student and friend.